Ringing in history! New bell to join Malta’s largest tuned chime at Paola Basilica
This bell carries significant historical weight, tracing its origins back to World War II
A historic and joyous event will take place at the Basilica of Christ the King in Paola next Sunday, 8th June, during the 9:30 a.m. Pentecost Mass.
A new bell, cast by the renowned Dutch foundry Royal Eijsbouts and modelled after a medieval bell by Geert van Wou, will be blessed and raised into the Basilica’s bell tower.
Measuring 1312mm in diameter and weighing 1405 kg, the bell is tuned to blend harmoniously with the existing set. It carries significant historical weight, tracing its origins back to World War II, making it not just a musical addition but a symbol of enduring legacy.
The bell will join the current fourth and fifth bells, enhancing the Basilica’s unique peal. Alongside a tuned F natural bell by Taylor Bellfoundry from 1999, the addition completes a full scale in the key of C natural.
This transforms the Basilica’s bell system into the largest and deepest mechanically tuned chime in Malta, comprising three distinct musical sets: a D major scale, a C natural major chord, and now a C natural scale.
Will you be tuning in?